* Identify and evaluate children with disabilities: This includes outlining the processes for screening, referral, assessment, and eligibility determination.
* Provide FAPE: This describes the types of services offered, including special education instruction, related services (such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy), and assistive technology. It also specifies how these services will be delivered, including the settings (e.g., general education classroom, resource room, separate classroom).
* Develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs): The plan describes the procedures for developing, implementing, and reviewing IEPs, which are individualized plans for each student with a disability.
* Ensure parental participation: It details how parents will be involved in all stages of the special education process.
* Protect the rights of students with disabilities: This includes provisions for due process hearings and mediation in case of disagreements between parents and the school.
* Ensure nondiscriminatory practices: The plan outlines procedures to prevent discrimination against students with disabilities.
* Provide early intervention services: This covers services for infants and toddlers with disabilities.
* Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the state's special education system: The plan includes mechanisms for data collection, analysis, and improvement.
* Address the unique needs of specific populations of students with disabilities: This might include students from diverse linguistic backgrounds or students with significant disabilities.
* Comply with all relevant federal and state laws and regulations.
In short, the State plan acts as a roadmap for how a state intends to deliver special education services to its students with disabilities, ensuring compliance with federal mandates and providing a framework for a high-quality system. Each state submits its plan to the U.S. Department of Education for approval. The specifics of the plan will vary from state to state, reflecting the unique needs and resources of each jurisdiction.